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Who is Chelsea-bound attacker Kai Havertz?

Sports Mole takes a closer look at versatile Bayer Leverkusen attacker Kai Havertz ahead of his expected switch to Chelsea.

Chelsea's summer spending spree is set to continue with the arrival of Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz in the next few days.

The Blues are believed to have agreed personal terms with the Germany international after shaking hands on a €100m (£90m) deal with Leverkusen.

Havertz will become Chelsa's sixth signing of 2020, following the captures of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva.

With Havertz's arrival at Stamford Bridge now imminent, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at one of world football's most in-demand players.

Kai Havertz during Leverkusen training on August 5, 2020© Reuters


Where does he play?

As is the case with many youngsters in the modern era, Havertz is comfortable playing in a number of positions.

The 21-year-old has played as a number six, number eight, right winger, false nine, number 10 and, well, pretty much anywhere across the frontline.

It was through the middle where Havertz had his most successful spell last season, with Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby often providing support from wide.

However, with Werner almost certain to lead the line at Chelsea, Havertz is likely to take up a position just off his compatriot in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

How did he perform last season?

Havertz was in sensational form for Leverkusen last season, helping the German club to fifth place in the Bundesliga, to the DFB-Pokal final and the Europa League quarter-finals.

The German scored 18 goals in all competitions and set up eight more, 14 of those goal involvements coming in the space of 10 games between February and May.

In May, upon the Bundesliga's return from the coronavirus hiatus, he became the first player to reach 35 goals in the German top flight before the age of 21.

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz pictured in February 2020© Reuters

International experience?

Havertz, who has spent his entire club career to date at Leverkusen, earned his first international cap for Germany in September 2018.

The youngster replaced Werner late on in a 2-1 win over Peru, becoming the first player born in 1999 to represent Die Mannschaft in the process.

He has since gone on to earn seven caps under Joachim Low and netted his only goal in October's 2-2 draw with Argentina in Dortmund.

Were any other teams interested?

Pretty much every one of Europe's elite clubs have been linked with Havertz at some point or another, including Leverkusen's domestic rivals Bayern Munich.

Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona were also tipped to move for the versatile attacker, but Chelsea appear to have won the race.

Given the huge interest in him, Leverkusen placed a £90m valuation on his head and Chelsea - seemingly immune to the financial blow of the coronavirus crisis - were happy to pay.

Havertz is a long-term investment for the Blues, of course, and looks likely to be a regular member of the first team for years to come.

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Kai Havertz during Leverkusen training on August 5, 2020
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